Khedira has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates this summer after reports in Spain claimed that he had rejected a new two-year-deal at the Bernabeu.

Spanish newspaper El Confidencial reported two weeks ago that the German international had turned down a new contract and told Madrid chiefs that he wanted to move to Arsenal.

25 Hour Sport claimed that Gunners boss Arsene Wenger had lodged a £24m bid for Khedira, which was accepted by the Champions League winners.

EAGER: Lukas Podolski wants to see Khedira at the Emirates next season [GETTY]

“Sami knows how much fun he could have with me, Mesut and Per at Arsenal”

Lukas Podolski

But the deal stalled when the Gunners boss discovered the German international's wage demands.

According to reports, the Real star wants £153,000-per-week, which equates to a staggering £8m per year.

Wenger is reluctant to shell out that type of money and has been trying to bring Khedira's wage demands down.

The news of these talks prompted Chelsea to enter the race to sign the holding midfielder.

Blues boss Jose Mourinho is eager to add another defensive midfielder to his squad this summer, and according to reports, is willing to meet Khedira's wage demands.

But Khedira has been urged by Gunners striker and international team-mate Podolski to snub a move to Stamford Birdge and join Arsenal this summer.

Podolski, who was room-mates with Khedira at the World Cup, insists that he hasn't tried to convince his international team-mate to make the switch to the Emirates, but admitted that he wants to see defensive midfielder move to north-London.

Speakling to German newspaper Bild Podolski said: "I didn't have to [try to convince Khedira to join Arsenal].

"Sami knows how much fun he could have with me, Mesut [Ozil] and Per [Mertesacker] at Arsenal.

"We had a great time together at the World Cup and I would like it very much if he comes to London."